If you’re dreaming of mountain views, wild swimming spots, and off-the-wall museums, the Adirondacks totally deliver, and this road trip through the Adirondacks has everything you need.
We’re talking giant waterfalls, treetop walkways, cozy small towns, and a whole lot of fun packed into one epic drive.
This loop takes you through some of the coolest places in upstate New York and there’s definitely something here that you’re gonna love.
1. Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm in Keeseville, New York, is a 2-mile-long sandstone gorge often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.”
You can hike along rim trails, float down the Ausable River on a guided raft ride, or cross the canyon on a series of scenic bridges.
With rock walls that are over 500 million years old and a 91-foot waterfall inside the chasm, it’s safe to say that this place is kind of a big deal.
2. High Falls Gorge
A quick 10-minute drive from Lake Placid brings you to High Falls Gorge, where four major waterfalls rush through a narrow granite canyon.
The entire loop trail is just half a mile long and includes glass walkways, sturdy bridges, and lookout decks that bring you thrillingly close to the action.
The highest waterfall here drops 35 feet, and thanks to the fully maintained path, you can enjoy the roar of the Ausable River without breaking a sweat.
3. Saranac Lake
Next up is Saranac Lake, a cozy mountain town where the vibe is more chill compared to the fast-paced fun of nearby Lake Placid.
It’s surrounded by lakes, including the 2,285-acre Lower Saranac Lake, making it perfect for paddling, fishing, and sunset cruises.
Don’t miss the quirky downtown, where you’ll find cappuccinos at Origin Coffee, cool stores like The Book Nook, and the nostalgic Adirondack Carousel.
4. The Wild Center
Just a short drive from Saranac Lake, The Wild Center in Tupper Lake blends science museum with outdoor adventure, making it a must-see stop.
The Wild Walk is the star here.
It’s an elevated trail that takes you above the treetops and even features a giant spider web you can climb.
Inside, you’ll find otters doing backflips, hands-on exhibits about Adirondack wildlife, and an interactive globe exhibit that makes stargazing feel like magic.
5. Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake
If you love great stories, vintage boats, and log cabins you can walk through, the Adirondack Experience on Blue Mountain Lake is the place to be.
This place has over 20 buildings filled with everything from regional art to a full-size guideboat workshop and even a light-up 3D map.
You can also try hands-on activities such as paddling a real canoe, hearing old logging tales in a recreated lumber camp, and learning about Adirondack life.
6. Lake George
Next up is Lake George, where 32 miles of sparkling water and mountain views set the stage for nonstop outdoor fun.
You can hop on the Minne-Ha-Ha steamboat, hike up Prospect Mountain for sweeping vistas, or just float the day away at Million Dollar Beach.
Back on land, the town has you covered with mini golf, old-school arcades, ice cream spots like Nina’s Sweet Shoppe, and a wonderfully weird wax museum.
7. Fort Ticonderoga
Wrapping up the trip is Fort Ticonderoga, located about an hour’s drive from Lake George, where history is brought to life through cannon blasts and reenactments.
This 18th-century fort sits right on Lake Champlain and has serious bragging rights from both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution.
You can climb the fort walls, take a boat cruise on the Carillon, or wander the giant King’s Garden, where blooming paths highlight the site’s colonial roots.
(Fort Ticonderoga is typically open from early May through October.)
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